Rotary engine



N'o Modeli), 5 Sheds-Sheet 1:

. L. J. WING.

,ROTARYBNGINE. No. 259,964.

lo'lilhogrwhr. Washinglom n. a

(No Model.)

5 G N m m L ROTARY ENGINE.

Patented June20, 1882 N. PEIERS, rlmlwmhogn mr. Washingion, n.6,

(No Model.) 5 Sheets- -Sheet a.

' L. J. WING.

\ ROTARY ENGINE.

No. 259,964. Patented June 20, 1882 N. wz'rzns, Pholn-Lilhogmphar, Walhinglom ac (No Model) 5 Sheets-Sheet 4. v L. J. WING.

ROTARY ENGINE.

Patented June '20, 1882:.

INVE 0R.

WITNESSES: f6 7% To all whom it may concern:

. UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'LEANDER J. WING, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IROTARY ENGINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 259,964, dated June 20, 1882.

Application filed June 10I 1880. (No model.) 1

Be it known that I, LEANDER J. WING, of

Boston, in the county of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rotary Engines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of .ihe invention, such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being'had to the accompanying drawin gs, which form part of this specification.

A very desirable object to be accomplished in the construction of a thoroughly practical style of abutment it will be readily seen that the movement necessary to operate it is .very slight, at the same time very easy, and, being operated when there is no steampressure upon it, is susceptible of very rapid movement. It is evident that by properly enlarging the diameter of the circle described by the annular steam-chamber three very desirable advantages are secured-namely, a swiftly-moving .piston, a slowly-revolving main shaft, and

greater leverage between the piston and main shaft, by which the power of the engine is proportionately increased.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of my engine. Fig. 2 is an end view of the same. Fig.3 is a vertical section on a line drawn through the pockets M M of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation of the inner face section, E, of

,the annular steam-chamber F, showing the annular grooves forming one-half of the annular steam-chamber, the ports of ingress and egress, rotating disk I, piston G, and pistonextensions G3 G Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section. of the valve-cylinder h and piston-valve s, with cam '0, taken on' a line with the valve-1 rod s. Fig. 6 is an enlarged side view of the abutment. Fig. 7 is an enlarged edge view of the same. Fig. 8 is a side view of the ro- 1 tating disk, showing the slot 1 between the segments I and I, togetherIwith the beveled periphery and hub K. Fig. 9 is a side view of the piston. Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the same after the cap G2 is removed. Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of thepiston, the right-and-left-hand screw R not being shown. Fig. 12 is a plan view ofthe spring E. Fig. 13 is an enlarged representation of the device for moving the abutment-shafts in opposite directions. Figs. 14 and 15 are enlarged views of the adjustable connecting-rod connecting the lever S and crank Q. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the slotted wedge'B. Fig. 17 is an edge view of the same. Fig. 18 is a side view of the valve .9 and segmental gear b. Fig. 19 is a view in side elevation of the reversing-valve cylinder Y. Fig. 20 is avertical sectional view of the reversing piston-valve Z. Fig. 21 isa vertical section of Fig. 19, the steampipes being shown in side elevation. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the sliding gear-plate a and segmental gears b b b 12*. Fig. 23 shows an end view of Fig. 19. Fig. 24 is a transverse section of the reversing piston-valve Z. Fig. 25 is an enlarged detached View, in section, of

.the packing-rings on the disk. Fig. 26 is a view in vertical section of the disk I, piston G, main shaft D, and slots H H.

A represents the bed of my improved engine, having two upright projections, A A, to

the outer sides of which are secured the inner sections, EE, of the annular steam-chamsolid with the standards B, which latter'is constructed with a foot, B the latter being of less length than the space between the end flanges, B of the bracket B on the upper end of standard B. Foot B rests upon the wedge 13, the inclined surface of which rests upon the inclined surface of under wedge B the latter being supported upon the upper surface of the bracket or support B. The wedges B B are formed with elongated slots 13, through which are inserted the bolts B, which serve to secure the standard 13 against displacement.

The journal-bearings G 0 may be vertically adjusted to compensate for wear and bring the shaft in proper alignment by means of the set-screws c c. which are inserted through the end flanges B B of the bracket or support B. By regulating the adjustment of these setscrews, the inner ends of which engage with the opposite ends of the wedges 13 15*, the latter are moved endwise, and by means of their inclined faces serve to raise or lower the bearings (J C, as may be desired.

The bearings O O are laterally adjusted by means of the set-screws c c, which are also inserted through the flanges B B and en gage with the opposite ends of the foot B and serve to retain it in any desired lateral adjustment. Thus it will be observed that the bearings U G of the main shaft may be brought on proper alignment and readily adjusted, either vertically or laterally, to compensate for wear, by varying the adjustment of the set-screw c c and c c.

E and E represent the half-sections of the annular steam-chamber, each being formed with a groove extending entirely around, so that when the two parts are. joined together they will form an annular steam-chamber, in which revolves the piston G, which is connected with and revolves the main shaft D by means of the rotating disk I. The disk I is fitted between the two sections E and E of the annular steam-chamber, F, which sections are cutaway to receive the disk.

Near the outer edge of each half of the annular steam-chamber is an abutment-chamber, L, extending slightly below the inside circle described by the annular steam-chamber and upward through the flange of sections E and E, also being as wide as these sections. In this abutment-chamber L the double abutment N slides or swings.

At a point of about one sixth (more or less) of the circumference of the annular steamchamber from either side of the abutmentchamber L, in sections E E of the annular steam-chamber F, are placed the ports W and X for ingress and egress of steam.

At right angles with the abutment-chamber L, on either side of sections E E, are the ears F F, by which the sections E E are bolted to the upright projections A A of the bed A. At the bottom of the annular steam-chamber F, opposite the abutment-chamber, is a petcock (not shown) to discharge water of condensation. To the opposite side of the abutment-chamber L, on sections E and E of the annular steam-chamber I", are bolted the pockets M M, into which the double abutment N swings while the piston G is passing. At the top of the abutment-chamber L and pockets M M is bolted the cap M, in which cap are arranged the abutment-shafts P and P, they passing through stntflng-boxes arranged on each side of the cap M, also supported by bear-- ings P F, secured to the flanges of sections E and E on each side of the cap M.

The double swinging abutment at its top is secured by its hub to the shafts P and P. The lower part of the abutment covering the annular steam-chamber is made thin, and the inside edges are overlapped by the packing-sections N N, which on one edge are grooved for the purpose, and on the other edge they are either tongued or grooved, so that when the abutment is shut and these sections N N are pressed together by means of springs O O, situated between the bottom of the slot and the thin edge of the abutment, there may be socured asteam-tight joint between the contiguous surfaces of sections N N. The beveled sections N N also overlap the lower section of the abutment N, and are provided with springs O O behind them for the purpose of pressing them against the beveled periphery of the disk I, so that while forming a steam-tight joint they may take up any wear on the beveled periphery of the disk I resulting from the pressure of the spring-pressed packing-sections N N exerted thereon.

Just outside of that portion of the abutment which covers the annular steam-chamber each side of the abutment is provided with ribs N N of proper thickness to snugly fit within the abutment-chamber and freely slide therein. When closed, and steam is admitted to the annular steam chamber, these abutments are pressed against the sides of the abutmentchamber L, so as to form a steam-tight joint. To avoid any tegdencyto leak, these abutments may be made of steel, and that section to which the hub is attached may be made thin, so as to become flexible under the steam-pressure.

The rotating disk I is secured to the main shaft D by means of the hub K. That portion of the disk I extending from the hub K outward is fitted between the two sections E and E of the annular steam-chamber F. For twothirds or three-fourths of the circumference of the disk the periphery thereof is beveled from its outer edge to the center, (shown enlarged in Fig. 25,) thereby forming a beveled wearing-surface on the periphery of the disk which will exceed the thickness of the disk in any desired proportion, as I do not restrict myself to any particular angle. to which the periphery should be beveled, the essential feature of construction being that the circle described by the abutment shall be such as to cause the inclined face of the abutment to fit snugly the beveled periphery of the disk. This bevel of the periphery of the disk I is for the purpose of furnishing suitable meansfor forming a tight joint between the disk I and the sections N N of the abutment N when they are pressed against it, also to assist in taking up the wear between the sections N N and the disk I.

In that part of the disk where the periphery is not beveled are two segments, 1 and 1?, which when the disk is in position, extend nearly throughtheannular steam-chamber. Between these segments 1 and I is a slot, 1, which is sufficiently wide to admit the piston G. This slot 1 is sufficiently deep to allow the piston G to have a radial movement when the engine is in operation to adapt it to any variation in the distance between the shaft and annular steam-chamberresultingfromthedisplacement of the shaft or other cause.

Near the periphery of the diskI, on opposite sides thereof, are formed the annular grooves H H, (see enlarged Figs. 6 and 25,) extending entirely around the'disk I, each of which serves the purpose of containing the three triangularshaped packing-rings H H H which are situated as follows: H is a V-shaped ring, and is placed in the bottom of the groovelik'e an inverted V. On the outer side of the groove is placed the ring H while on the opposite side is the ring 11'.

Springs Oare seated at opposite ends upon the inner faces of the rings H H, and operate to force them outwardly and cause their beveled faces to press the rings H and H snugly against the sides of the annular groove H and their outer faces against the inner surfaces of the sections E and E, and thereby insure a steam-tight joint, whichwill automatically compensatefor any wear. Thus steam is prevented from passing in force between the disk I and sections E and E of the annular steamcham ber, inside the said rings. To avoidany spray of steam that might pass through before these parts are sufficiently worn to become tight, a stufiingbox is arranged around the hub K of the disk I, the gland E of which is shown in Fig. 1. i

To the two segments 1 Pof the disk I are secured, on either side of the disk I, the piston-extensions G3 and G Fig. 4. At the point of contact between thesetwo piston-extensions and the piston Gr, these extensions form a circle; but at the end remotest from the piston they run down to a sharp edge, and are in form a templet of the movement of the double abutment as related to the piston while passing the abutment, and they are designed to lessen the clearance of the engine, but may also bevutilized to act as cams when required. These piston-extensions are smaller in diameter than the piston, and allow of the admission of steam to the annular steam-chamber as soon as the piston has passed the port of ingress.

The piston G is composed of two sections, G I

one each at top and bottom, R R to which is secured the cap G between which and the flange of section G isformed .a recess toremetal ring R is cut at the top or bottom, or

both, to allow it to expand to take up the wear between the annular stea m-chamber and itself.

- The appliance for expanding this ring is as follows: Between the top and side projections, R and R and bottom and side projections, lit and R of the piston G is a space, in which are inserted the bentsprings R It, Fig. 12, with a holevin their centers. The ends of these springs R R are placed against the inner'sunface ofthe ring R, and by means of a right-and: left-hand screw, R passing through the hole in the spring It, and having shoulders'to keep it in place between the top and bottom projections, R R of piston G,.two nuts, R R are moved in opposite directions against these springs R, and thus the pressure of the cutmetal ring R against the annular steamchamber may be increased or decreased at pleasure.

To the top of the screw R which projects intoa hole in the ring It, is fitted a socketwrench, which can be applied when the piston is in proper position by removing the cap M; but it canbe so arranged as to be adjusted by removing the pocket M, if preferred. During the passage of the piston around that part of the annular steam-chamber occupied by the double abutment the two sections of the abutment are caused to swing outwardly in opposit'e directions by means of a double arm device, (shown in Fig. 13,) which consists of an arm, '1 on which is a hub, T, which is secured to the abutment-shafts l and P. One arm is made sutficiently wide to contain a slot, in which moves'the slide T Through the slide T? passes a pin,T which connects it with the other arm, to which the pin'T is rigidly fixed. Hence by the action ot' the cam S upon the roller S", fitted to the slot S, the lever S operating through the connecting-rod formed by yokes Q Q and right and-left-hand screw Q upon the arm Q and abutment-shafts P and P, the abutment is caused to open, and that at the proper time, during the revolution of the main shaft D.

Steam is admitted into the ports W or X, according to the direction in which the shaft Dis torevolve, by means of the piston-valve -s, con nected with each annular steam-chamber,

which valve is caused to slide in the cylinder tion of the gear 1 on the main shaft D, revolving gear t on the cam-shaft t. The piston-valve s is constructed with two ports, 8 s,

'hby means of the cam o, operated by the acof equal size, and directly opposite each other, and corresponding in size and position with the two ports h h of the cylinder h, so that when the ports s s are exactly over the ports h h there will be an equal and simultaneous passage of steam from each side of the valve 8 into the ports h h through the passage h and into the ports W or X of the annular steam-chamber.

At the top of the cylinder h is an opening for the passage of steam from the supply-pipe a: into the cylinder h. Steam is thus admitted to or cut off from the annular steam-chamber by the action of the cam a, connected with the valve 8 by valve-rod s".

The cam-plate is composed of a slotted plate, a, on each end of which are projections, the upper projection being for the purpose of connecting the cam o with the valve-rod s and the lower projection is to contain a set-screw, 12 with which to adjust the sliding section 12, containing the lower friction-roller, the upper friction-roller being stationary. The cam '11 is secured to the camshaft it through its long hub, ouwhich is a collar, c which, by a setscrew, is secured to the hub close to the camplate 11, thus avoiding any side motion.

The adjustable friction-roller serves to take up any wear of the cam '0 at pleasure.

The engine shown in Fig. lis only designed to run in one direction. Steam entering the cylinder h through the supply-pipe ac and throttle-valve m passes through the port 3 ot the valve 8, thence through port h of cylinder h and passage h into the annular steam-chamber F through the port W, Fig. 4., forcing the piston G and disk I around the annular steamchamber until the piston G passes the port X, acting as an exhaust, when the steam behind the piston, somewhat expanded by being cut off at half-stroke, is exhausted out of port X and escapes through the exhaust-pipe p; but when it is desired to constitute the engine shown in Fig. 1 a reversing-engine, itis necessary to connect with it the reversing-valve cylinder Y, Figs. 19 and 21, in which slides the reversing piston-valve Z, Figs. 20 and 24., the sliding gear-platea and segmental gears b b b b, the lever Y, and connecting-rods d and e. In the cylinder Y, Fig. 21, there are three ports on each side directly opposite-namely, Y Y Y The ports Y and Y correspond with the ports Z and Z of the reversing piston-valve Z, but so situated that the port at one end of the valve Z must be closed when the port at the other end is open. In the center of the valve Z, and on either side, is a concave recess, Z, of such length that when the port Z is directly over the port Y the concave recess Z will cover the ports Y and Y of the cylinder Y, and thus form a continuous passage of steam from the annular steam'chamber F through the portsW W, passages h h, ports h h and .5: s, and through connectingpipes into concave recesses through ports Y Y and Y Y to the exhaust-passage p. It

will be remembered that while the exhauststeam is being thus disposed of live steam is being admitted through ports Z and Y and connecting-passages into the corresponding cylinders h, connected with the ports X X of the annular steam-ch amber F, and at each halfrevolution of the main shaft is let on and out OK by means of the cam o operating the pistonvalve 8. To reverse the action of the steam and the motion of the engine the lever Y of the cylinder Y is pushed in until the ports Z Z of the valve Z are directly opposite the ports Y Y of cylinder Y. This movement, by reason of the action of the connecting-rod e upon the sliding gear-plate a, partly revolves the segmental gears b b b I), through which the valve rod 8 is allowed to slide upon a feather in such a manner that when the segmental gears are partly revolved the valverod 8 and the valve 8 will also partly revolve; but this action does not impede or interfere with the sliding of the valve 8 in the cylinder h, Fig. 5, through the action of the cam '11. The valves operated upon by the segmental gears 11 and b will be in such position that their ports 8 s will be directly opposite ports h h of the cylinder h,v while the valves partly revolved by the action of segmental gears b" and b will be in such position that the wide ports 8 s of valve s, Fig. 18-, will be directly opposite ports h h of cylinder h, and by reason of the width of the ports 8 s will form a constantly-open passage from the annular steamchamber into the cylinder h, it being understood that the ports s a areof sufficient width to cover the ports h h of the cylinder h and also the lift of the cam 21.

In that part of the sliding piston-valve s and also the reversing-valve Z to which the rod is attached there are openings to admit of the steam passing through the head (see Figs. 20 and 24) to equalize the steam-press ure and form a perfect balance.

An automatic cut-ofl' may be arranged in connection with valve 8 and cylinder h by dispensing with the use of the cam '11 and substituting in its place an eccentric and a long valve-rod, connecting at the bottom with a dash-pot and near thevalve s with a tripping device operated by a suitable governor applied to the main or valve shaft.

In place of the triangular rings used in the grooves H H on disk I, flat rings may be used as follows: In place of ring H put a flat ring which shall just fill the groove and move in it. Between this and the cut double outer ring which is to take the place of rings 11 and H insert several layers of thin felting or other flexible material, care being taken that the cuts in the two outer rings shall not be opposite each other. The action of the spring 0 upon the inner ring and flexiblepacking causes the outer rings to perform the same functions as rings H and H in former device.

I am aware that rotary engines have been invented wherein the rotary disk is constructed with a curved or rounded periphery. I make no claim to such construction, as in such form of disk it is impossible to take up for the wear between the periphery of the rotary disk and the wearing-faces of the abutment. In my invention the periphery of the rotary disk is constructed with two flatfaccs, with which engage correspondingly-flattened faces on the sectional abutment, whereby the wear is-compensated for and an accurate steam-tight joint secured. I

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isg V 1. In a rotary engine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber, of a rotary disk having a beveled periphery, forming two flat wearing faces inclined toward which extend only partly through said annular steam-chamber, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

2. In a rotary engine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber, of a rotary disk having a beveled periphery, forming two flat wearing faces inclined toward each other, which extend only partly through the annular steam-chamber, said disk being furnished with steam packing rings located between its beveled periphery and the shaft to whichitis secured, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

3. In a rotary engine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber, of a rotary disk having a beveled periphery, forming two fiat wearingfaces inclined toward each other, which extend only partly through said annular steam-chamber, and a radially-adjustable piston, substantially as shown and described,

and for the purposes herein set forth.

4. In a rotaryengine,the combination,with

an annular steam -chamber and rotary disk provided with two flat wearing-faces on the periphery, of a sectional abutment constructed and adapted to fit said wearing-faces on the periphery of the disk and to open and move outwardlyfrom opposite sides of a piston connected with said disk, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

5. In a rotary engine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber and rotary disk having two flat wearing-faces on its periphery, of a sectional abutment constructed to fit said wearing-faces on the periphery of the disk, and mechanism for imparting simultaneous movement to said sections and move them in opposite directions away from a piston connected with said rotary disk, substantially as shown and described, and for thepurposes herein set forth.

6. In a rotary engine,the combination, with an annular steam-chamber and rotary disk having a piston connected therewith, of asectional swinging abutment, the adjacent edges of said abutment being furnished with comeach other,

pensating slides to form a steam-tight joint, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

7 In a rotary engine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber and rotary disk having a radially-movable piston connected therewith, of a two-part swinging abutment,

the sections of which are adapted to move outwardly from said piston when the latter passes the abutment, substantially as shown and described,and for the purposes herein set forth.

8. In a rotary engine, the combination,with an annular steam-chamber and rotarydisk having a beveled periphery, of a sectional abutment provided with spring-pressed packingsections, which it steam-tight against said beveled periphery, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

9. In a rotary engine, the combination,with an annular steam-chamber and rotary disk having a beveled periphery, of a sectional swinging abutment the sections of which are adapted tomove toward and away from each other, such sections provided with springpressed packing-sections to pack'the joint between the two sections and between thevabutment and beveled periphery of the rotary disk,

substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

10. In a rotaryengine, the combination, with an annular steam-chamber having an abutment-chamber formed therein, of a sectional swinging abutment having ribs formed on its rear edges, said ribs snugly fitting within the walls of the abutment-chamber, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth. 3

. sectional swinging abutments attached to rockshafts, cams on the main shaft, and suitable devices between the cams and rock-shafts for actuating the latter and imparting a swinging movement to the two sections of the abutment, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

' 14. In a rotaryengine, the combination,with the annular steam-chamber, rotary disk, and sectional swinging abutment, of cams attached to the main shaft, pivoted levers provided with anti-friction rollers which engage in the camgrooves, and jointed arm for transmitting motion from the pivoted levers to the rock-shafts too IIS

to which the abutments are attached, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

15. In a rotary engine, the combination,with the main shaft, of standards for supporting the same, said standards formed in two parts, the upper portion constituting the lower half of the shaft-bearing and provided with outwardly-projecting ears or flanges for the removable attachment of the cap of the journal-box, and secured tothe lower sectionot' the standard in a manner to prevent any longitudinal displacement, the upper portion of the standard made both vertically and laterally adjustable, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

16. The standards formed of upper and lower sections, the latter provided at its lower end with a perforated supporting-flange and at its upper end with a supporting -bracket-, and wedges interposed between said sections of the standard, and set-screws for varying the adjustment of said wedges, and thereby raising or lowering the upper section of the standard,

substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

17. The combination, with the upper and lower sections of the main shaft standards, of wedges provided with elongated slots, bolts inserted through said slots for securing said sections together, and set-screws for varying the adjustment of said wedges, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

18. In a rotaryengine, the combination,with the rotary disk, of a radially-movable piston provided with a split packin g-rin g, a right-and left-hand screw, springs, and nuts for adjusting the packing-ring, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

' 19. In arotary engine, the combination,with the rotary disk, of a radially-movable piston provided with a split packing-ring, and screwshaft extending partly through the packingring for expanding said ring, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

20. In arotary engine, the combination,with an annular steam chamber and sectional swinging abutment, of a rotary disk provided with a radially-moving piston and tapering piston-extensions on opposite sides of said piston, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

21. In a rotary engine, the combination,with thereversing-valve, of the rack-plate, segmental gears, and rotary valves, the latter having narrow and wide ports on opposite sides thereof, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

22. In a rotary engine, the combination,with the balanced reversing-valve Z, having the ports Z Z and intermediate recess, Z, of the cylinder provided with ports Y, Y and Y substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of June, A. D. 1880, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LEANDER J. WING.

Witnesses:

JAS. H. LARGE, (3130.1). SEYMOUR. 

